Flying from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Phoenix: what you need to know
Take a direct flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Phoenix and you'll be travelling for around 4 hours 5 minutes.
Phoenix is three hours behind Durham, where Raleigh-Durham International Airport is located. Phoenix follows the UTC-7 timezone.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX) is the most popular route, with 11 weekly flights to pick from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from RDU to PHX is with Southwest Airlines at 19:35. Choose the first departure with Southwest Airlines at 05:35 if you want to fly out earlier.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your RDU to Phoenix flight.
If you're travelling during a bank holiday or another peak period, allow extra time. A good general rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at check-in and security will be longer.
You can book a direct Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Phoenix ticket. Begin your journey at RDU and end it at Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX).
Book your favourite seat with American Airlines. This airline offers direct flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Phoenix.
RDU is around 16 kilometres from central Durham. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 1 hour 10 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your holiday? Stay near RDU. Whether you've booked an early flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Phoenix or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
80.09% of flights leaving Raleigh-Durham International Airport touch down at their destination on schedule. Given its solid on-time performance, you're unlikely to be delayed when jetting out of RDU.
How to find the cheapest flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Phoenix
ر.ق. 338 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Phoenix flight. A return flight ticket starts at ر.ق. 642. These prices can change depending on demand and availability.
To snag cheap flights from RDU to Phoenix, book your journey one month ahead of your departure date.
The best month for scoring cheap Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Phoenix tickets is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then select the dates that offer the biggest savings.
Picking up a cheap flight from RDU to Phoenix couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic notifications and we'll notify you as soon as a lower fare pops up.
Tailor your flights with filters. Select your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Phoenix.
Airports in Phoenix
Phoenix Scottsdale Municipal Airport (SCF)
Phoenix Scottsdale Municipal Airport (SCF) is around 32 kilometres from the centre of Phoenix. If you're getting a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes about 35 minutes.
Travelling to the centre on public transport typically takes 1 hour 55 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Phoenix. Book one of these accommodation options near SCF instead:
Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX)
After your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Phoenix has touched down, you can get to the city centre in about 10 minutes by car. Central Phoenix is roughly 8 kilometres from Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX).
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 35 minutes or so.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel near PHX. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your RDU to Phoenix flight:
Forget about public transport schedules or slow-moving cab lines. Grab a Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Compare offers from Europcar, Dollar and Thrifty.
Lock in the best price by reserving your ride from PHX one week ahead of time. You can also expect to have a bigger selection of vehicles.
The address for Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport is 3400 Sky Harbour Boulevard.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)
Make your way to the city centre after your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Phoenix has touched down. Central Phoenix is about 56 kilometres from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) and takes roughly 40 minutes to get to by car.
Find a hotel close to AZA and go from the plane to your bed in a flash. Whether you have a late RDU to Phoenix flight or just want to keep your travel plans simple, these accommodation options offer a quick route to a good night's sleep:
Whether you'd like an economy for a solo trip or a spacious SUV to fit a group of friends, you'll find the ideal Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport rental car for you. Browse the types of wheels available here from providers such as Dollar, Alamo and Budget.
Plan ahead and get the perks. Book your ride from AZA two weeks before your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Phoenix for the best rates.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport can be found at 6033 S. Sossaman Rd..
Best time to go to Phoenix
Carefully consider your dates before securing your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Phoenix. The city comes alive in peak season, but prices are usually higher and top attractions can get busy. Visit Phoenix in the low season for a quieter vibe.
The warmest month in Phoenix is July, with temperatures ranging between 26ºC and 44ºC. Book your Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Phoenix flight ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
January sees average temperatures of between 4ºC and 20ºC. Look for a cheap ticket from RDU to Phoenix around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Phoenix
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Phoenix right here. Explore these options after locking in your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Phoenix:
Heard Museum and Desert Botanical Garden are a couple of top attractions to put on your Phoenix itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Papago Park.
Explore more of United States
San Diego is just one of the many cities in United States waiting to be discovered once you've seen the sights of Phoenix. Around 483 kilometres away to the west, its best attractions include San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum and SeaWorld San Diego.
Las Vegas is another sought-after destination in United States and is around 418 kilometres north-west of Phoenix. No journey is complete without visiting Las Vegas Strip, Fountains of Bellagio and Fremont Street Experience.
